r/Meditation • u/mrbundle yogi ॐ • Oct 11 '14

Meddit's Book Recommendations

Time to update the existing side bar list.

If you could recommend a book(s) on meditation—on practice, theory, and/or inspiration for meditating — what would they be?

Feel free to confirm anything which is already there.

If relevant, describe who the book is best for, such as beginner or seasoned practitioner.

It’s helpful if you can link the book and perhaps share a bit about it.

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u/repulsive_explosion Oct 11 '14

10% Happier by Dan Harris and Waking Up by Sam Harris, in that order. The first will draw in novices and skeptics, motivate people who have been practicing for a short time or without much regularity or purpose, and begin to define a near-term path forward on and off the cushion. The second shows you why the path you thought you were on, while beneficial, was an illusion all along, and offers a refined focus for your new contemplative toolset.

I read the first in April and the second when it came out (and have since read it a second time). I don't think I will ever think about myself, consciousness, or meditation the same way again. The authors actually discussed how the two books dovetail nicely in a discussion on Sam Harris' blog: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/taming-the-mind

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u/natanbroon Jan 20 '15

How would it change things if I read them in the other order? I am just getting into meditation and have picked up the second book but have not begun to read it yet...